Taxidermy has been practiced for centuries, preserving the taxidermy for sale of wildlife in stunning lifelike displays. Today, taxidermy mounts for sale attract a wide range of buyers, from hunters and collectors to interior decorators and nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for a majestic deer shoulder mount, an exotic African trophy, or a vintage bird mount, the taxidermy market offers diverse options for every taste and budget.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of taxidermy mounts, where to buy and sell them, factors affecting pricing, legal considerations, and tips for maintaining these fascinating pieces of wildlife art.
1. What Are Taxidermy Mounts?
A taxidermy mount is an animal or part of an animal preserved through taxidermy, a process that involves skinning, tanning, and mounting the specimen on a sculpted form to maintain a lifelike appearance. These mounts are used for:
✅ Hunting Trophies – Displaying prized game animals.
✅ Decor & Interior Design – Adding rustic or exotic elements to homes, cabins, and lodges.
✅ Educational Displays – Used in museums, nature centers, and schools.
✅ Historical & Vintage Collections – Preserving rare or antique taxidermy pieces.
Common Types of Taxidermy Mounts
1️⃣ Shoulder Mounts – The most popular form of taxidermy, commonly used for deer, elk, moose, and other large game animals.
2️⃣ Full-Body Mounts – A complete, lifelike display, ideal for predators like bears, mountain lions, and wolves.
3️⃣ European Skull Mounts – A minimalistic style featuring cleaned and whitened skulls mounted on a plaque.
4️⃣ Bird Mounts – Popular among waterfowl hunters and bird enthusiasts, featuring ducks, pheasants, or raptors.
5️⃣ Fish & Reptile Mounts – Unique taxidermy featuring lifelike fish or exotic reptiles.
6️⃣ Rug Mounts – Animals, such as bears or mountain lions, preserved as a flat rug with the head mounted in an aggressive pose.
Each style of mount serves different purposes, making taxidermy an incredibly versatile form of wildlife art.
2. Where to Buy Taxidermy Mounts
If you’re looking for taxidermy mounts for sale, you can find them through various sources:
A. Online Marketplaces
🛒 eBay & Etsy – Offer vintage and modern taxidermy from sellers worldwide.
🛒 Cabela’s & Bass Pro Shops – Occasionally sell high-quality hunting trophy mounts.
🛒 Taxidermy Specialty Websites – Websites like Taxidermy.net and WildlifeGallery.com feature professional mounts.
🛒 Social Media & Forums – Facebook groups and hunting forums often have taxidermy listings.
B. Local Taxidermists & Hunting Outfitters
🏡 Visit local taxidermy studios to find pre-made mounts or commission custom work. Many hunting outfitters also sell trophy mounts.
C. Auctions & Estate Sales
🎯 Vintage and rare taxidermy pieces can be found at estate sales, antique shops, and wildlife auctions.
3. Factors Affecting Taxidermy Mount Prices
The price of a taxidermy mount depends on several factors:
💰 Animal Species – Exotic and rare species (African lions, tigers, or albino animals) command higher prices than common game animals.
💰 Mount Type – Full-body mounts are more expensive than shoulder or skull mounts due to size and craftsmanship.
💰 Taxidermy Quality – High-end taxidermists create detailed, realistic mounts with professional finishing, while lower-quality mounts may lack lifelike features.
💰 Condition & Age – Well-preserved, undamaged mounts retain higher value, while aged or damaged taxidermy may be less valuable.
💰 Customization & Pose – Custom poses, scenic bases, and lifelike glass eyes add to the cost.
💰 Historical or Collector’s Value – Antique taxidermy from the 19th or early 20th century may be worth more due to its craftsmanship and rarity.
Price Ranges for Common Taxidermy Mounts:
- Whitetail Deer Shoulder Mount – $300 – $800
- Black Bear Rug Mount – $1,000 – $3,000
- Mountain Lion Full-Body Mount – $2,500 – $7,000
- African Lion or Tiger Mount – $10,000+
- Vintage Bird Mounts – $200 – $1,500
4. Legal Considerations for Buying and Selling Taxidermy
Before purchasing a taxidermy mount, it’s essential to be aware of legal restrictions.
⚖️ Protected Species Laws – Some animals, such as eagles, owls, and certain big cats, are federally protected and cannot be sold.
⚖️ CITES & Wildlife Trade Laws – International sales of endangered species require CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) permits.
⚖️ State Regulations – Certain states restrict the sale of taxidermy involving native wildlife, so check local laws before buying or selling.
⚖️ Hunting Tags & Documentation – Always ask for proof that the animal was legally obtained if purchasing a hunting trophy mount.
Illegal taxidermy sales can result in hefty fines, so it’s important to source mounts from reputable sellers.
5. How to Care for Taxidermy Mounts
Proper care is essential for maintaining the beauty and longevity of your taxidermy mount.
🧼 Regular Dusting – Use a soft brush, microfiber cloth, or compressed air to remove dust.
🌡️ Control Humidity & Temperature – Store mounts in a dry environment with stable temperatures to prevent mold and decay.
☀️ Avoid Direct Sunlight – UV rays can cause fading and damage fur or feathers.
🦟 Prevent Pests – Use insect repellents or cedar blocks to deter moths and beetles that can damage taxidermy.
🔧 Professional Restoration – If a mount becomes damaged, consult a taxidermist for repairs or touch-ups.
6. Ethical Considerations in Taxidermy
While taxidermy is a respected art form, ethical concerns should always be considered:
- Sustainability – Support legal, ethical hunting practices and avoid illegally obtained specimens.
- Respect for Wildlife – Taxidermy should celebrate nature rather than promote irresponsible hunting.
- Conservation Efforts – Some taxidermy sales contribute to wildlife conservation and education.
By purchasing from reputable sources and ensuring ethical hunting practices, collectors can enjoy taxidermy while promoting wildlife appreciation.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a hunter showcasing a trophy, a collector searching for rare mounts, or an interior decorator looking for a rustic statement piece, taxidermy mounts for sale offer a unique way to celebrate wildlife. By understanding mount types, pricing, legal regulations, and proper care, you can make an informed purchase and enjoy the artistry of taxidermy for years to come.
When buying taxidermy, always prioritize quality, legality, and ethical sourcing to ensure your investment is both valuable and respectful of nature.